Within a matter of minutes, natural disasters can affect the lives of tens of thousands of people. Hundreds or even thousands of people can be injured, homes and livelihoods destroyed. Access to clean water, healthcare services and transport can also be disrupted. The impact of each disaster varies greatly and our response must adapt to each situation.
Needs must be quickly identified, but accessing a disaster zone can be complex when roads are cut off. The first responders are people already on-site: community members, local authorities and aid organisations already present.
We keep pre-packaged kits to deploy for rapid relief and life-saving assistance. With projects in over 75 countries, we often have aid workers nearby when a disaster strikes. They can be reinforced with additional teams if a larger response is needed.
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![Zimbabwe Zimbabwe](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/v86a371mxs821vntb06516p7cd28tcx8.jpg)
Voices from the field
The confluence of the three rivers, Nyahode, Rusitu and Chipita, was a source of terror to the residents of Copper.Dr Elizabeth Irungu
![Malnutrition emergency: mobile clinic in Ranobe Malnutrition emergency: mobile clinic in Ranobe](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/5ho2368h6558h5mp4aim37h0kpn68aa8.jpg)
MSF delegation in Damascus to deliver additional relief aid
![Mental Health support for people affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye Mental Health support for people affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/57an8i652j58855rdu40y1m68oysyngn.jpg)
After the dust settles: The mental health needs in Türkiye
![Providing healthcare among the rubble in Jindires Providing healthcare among the rubble in Jindires](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/n5pm16axyi757v4v6v3v5062wok5f135.jpg)
Northwest Syria: Providing healthcare amongst the rubble in Jindires
![Cyclone Freddy in Malawi Cyclone Freddy in Malawi](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/1s0nym853622kxq5qpnciu220ie51607.jpg)
People cut off from healthcare after cyclone Freddy batters Malawi
![Malnutrition emergency: mobile clinic in Ranobe Malnutrition emergency: mobile clinic in Ranobe](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/5ho2368h6558h5mp4aim37h0kpn68aa8.jpg)
Immediate medical needs in Malawi after cyclone Freddy hits southern region
![Malatya, Türkiye, after earthquakes Malatya, Türkiye, after earthquakes](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/7u24l55hihc455mj41sswmdmxr08o73d.jpg)